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(September 25, 2014) The transplantation of faecal microbiota has been shown in recent clinical studies to be a safe and highly effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection and is now recommended in European treatment guidelines.1,2

FMT has emerged as a revolutionary, potentially life-saving treatment for this common infection, and is showing promise in the management of other microbiota-related conditions.3,4

Presenting at the 22nd United European Gastroenterology Week (UEG Week 2014) in Vienna, Austria, Professor Antonio Gasbarrini from the Gemeli University Hospital in Rome believes that FMT should now be used more widely in order to reduce both the clinical and economic burden of microbiota-related disease. “FMT is an old procedure that has gained in popularity in recent years,” he says. “When used in patients with recurrent C. difficile infections, which are extremely difficult to treat, FMT eradicates the bacteria in around 90% of cases with a good safety profile.”
The challenges of C. difficile infectionC. difficile infection is the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Infection rates have been rising rapidly in Europe and reports of emerging new strains, growing antibiotic resistance, and increased susceptibility in non-hospitalized individuals are of grave concern. C. difficile infection causes severe diarrhoea, intestinal inflammation and toxin-mediated cell death that, in severe cases, can lead to shock, hypotension, ileus or megacolon. Standard first-line therapies include the antibiotics, vancomycin or metronidazole, which are initially effective in most individuals. Unfortunately, approximately 20% of successfully-treated patients will have an infection recurrence, and many of these will experience multiple recurrences.5
“Recurrent C. difficile infections are particularly difficult to treat, with long courses of antibiotics further disrupting the normal gut microflora, putting the patient at great risk of serious complications such as sepsis or perforation of the bowel,” says Prof. Gasbarrini. “There is an urgent need for more effective treatments for recurrent C. difficile infections and FMT is definitely one of them.”
FMT for C. difficile infection
FMT is an innovative treatment that was first described in C. difficile infection in the 1950s, and is being used increasingly in everyday practice. In FMT, healthy microbiota harvested from a donated stool sample is transplanted into the intestine of the recipient – often by colonoscopy or enema – where it helps to restore the normal composition of the gut flora and overcome the toxic consequences of C. difficile infection.
Studies in patients with C. difficile infection have confirmed that the treatment has a good safety record and is highly effective – quickly eradicating recurrent infections in around 90% of patients.5,6 While once considered a last-resort option for only the brave or desperate, FMT is now officially recommended in influential European treatment guidelines for recurrent C. difficile infections.1,2
“FMT can be considered a very simple form of organ transplantation that does not require immunological matching of donor and recipient and does not need immunosuppression after the procedure,” says Prof. Gasbarrini. “I am delighted that FMT has now been formally recognised as an effective treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection and I hope the technique will now be used more widely in an effort to relieve some of the burden of this troublesome infection.”
References1. Debast SB, et al. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20 (Suppl 2): 1–26.2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Faecal microbiota transplant for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. NICE interventional procedure guidance 485. March 2014. 3. Cammarota, et al. Intern Emerg Med 2014; 9: 365–373.4. Smits LP, et al. Gastroenterology 2013; 145: 946–953.5. Cammarota G, et al. J Clin Gastroenterol 2014 Jan 16.6. Van Nood E, et al. N Engl J Med 2013; 368: 407–415.Notes to Editors
About UEG Week
UEG Week is the largest and most prestigious gastroenterology meeting in Europe and has developed into a global congress. It attracts over 14,000 participants each year, from more than 120 countries, and numbers are steadily rising. UEG Week provides a forum for basic and clinical scientists from across the globe to present their latest research in digestive and liver diseases, and also features a two-day postgraduate course that brings together top lecturers in their fields for a weekend of interactive learning.
From October 18-22, 2014, UEG will connect everyone to its annual meeting via livestream on www.ueg.eu. State-of-the-art lectures of Europe’s largest GI meeting may be followed online from around the world. Include #UEGWeek in your tweets. UEG Week 24/7 features all recorded sessions from UEG Week and provides convenient and direct access to the complete congress material, including E-posters and abstracts.
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives besides UEG Week, including:
· UEG Education, the universal source of knowledge in gastroenterology, providing online and classroom courses, a huge online library and delivering the latest GI news, fostering debate and discussion
· Training Support, funding for innovative training and educational programmes, as well as international scientific and professional co-operations
· UEG Journal, published bi-monthly, covering translational and clinical studies from all areas of gastroenterology
· EU Affairs, promoting research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, and helping develop an effective health policy for Europe
Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu
Follow UEG on Twitter @my_ueg and @UEGMedia
Press Contacts
Samantha Forster
Email: media@ueg.eu
Tel: +44 (0)1444 811099
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Wheat-related disorders – Gluten-free diet may do more harm than good.

(September 18 , 2014) Cereals such as wheat have long been considered a fundamental food source, yet growing numbers of people are intolerant to them and the list of wheat-related conditions seems to grow daily. Now, experts are calling for a greater awareness of wheat-related disorders in order that gluten-intolerant patients are diagnosed more swiftly and receive the best possible treatment.

Cereals such as wheat have long been considered a fundamental food source, yet growing numbers of people are intolerant to them and the list of wheat-related conditions seems to grow daily. Now, experts are calling for a greater awareness of wheat-related disorders in order that gluten-intolerant patients are diagnosed more swiftly and receive the best possible treatment.
According to a paper, ‘Wheat-related disorders: A broad spectrum of ‘evolving’ diseases,’ published in this month’s UEG Journal,1 experts Professor Giovanni Gasbarrini and Dr Francesca Mangiola suggest that people eating a gluten-free diet may also be at risk of developing new food intolerances, due to excessive substitution of alternative carbohydrates and foods containing nickel which may lead to additional health problems.
They offer the following practical advice to clinicians on how to differentiate between coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders to diagnose conditions more effectively and ensure sufferers do not follow a gluten-free diet unnecessarily:
· Perform a thorough medical history, with particular attention given to the native gut microbiota.
· Extensively explore the symptoms and assess the presence of any history of allergies.
· Evaluate the genetic background with great care because it is often important to target or confirm the diagnosis and in some cases, make it unlikely.
Gluten: the wheat toxin
Gluten is a substance found in wheat, barley and rye that is composed of the two proteins, gliaden and glutenin. Researchers believe that gliaden is the gluten component people react to when they have wheat-related disorders. A number of distinct medical conditions are now recognised to be gluten-related including coeliac disease, wheat allergy and the newly-defined condition, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. According to Gasbarrini and Mangiola’s paper, among the problematic disorders related to gluten, around 10% may be wheat allergy, 6% may be non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and only 1% is coeliac disease.1
Commenting on the article, UEG Spokesperson, Professor Antonio Gasbarrini said it is important to raise awareness of wheat-related disorders in order that people are not left undiagnosed and suffering. “Gluten-related disorders, like all food allergies, are extremely disabling and can have a major impact on people’s lives,” he said. “Most of us have heard of coeliac disease, but the other conditions are also very distressing and they are far more common.”
“Many clinicians struggle to differentiate between the wheat-related disorders so practical advice like this is always helpful,” adds Prof. Gasbarrini. “Hopefully, as clinicians and patients become more aware of the range of conditions associated with wheat and gluten, the quicker they can be diagnosed, receive the most appropriate treatment and prevent associated health problems.”
Reference
1. Gasbarrini GB, Mangiola F. Wheat-related disorders: A broad spectrum of ‘evolving’ diseases. United European Gastroenterol J 2014;2(4):254-62. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4114114/.
Notes to Editors
About UEG Week
UEG Week is the largest and most prestigious gastroenterology meeting in Europe and has developed into a global congress. It attracts over 14,000 participants each year, from more than 120 countries, and numbers are steadily rising. UEG Week provides a forum for basic and clinical scientists from across the globe to present their latest research in digestive and liver diseases, and also features a two-day postgraduate course that brings together top lecturers in their fields for a weekend of interactive learning.
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives besides UEG Week, including:
· UEG Education, the universal source of knowledge in gastroenterology, providing online and classroom courses, a huge online library and delivering the latest GI news, fostering debate and discussion
· Training Support, funding for innovative training and educational programmes, as well as international scientific and professional co-operations
· UEG Journal, published bi-monthly, covering translational and clinical studies from all areas of gastroenterology
· EU Affairs, promoting research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, and helping develop an effective health policy for Europe
Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu

UEG calls for more specialist clinics to improve emotional and mental wellbeing of young people with IBD.

(August, 28, 2014) In response to a new study highlighting the impact of IBD on children, United European Gastroenterology (UEG), Europe’s largest digestive health body, is calling for an increase in specialist IBD Clinics across Europe to quicken diagnosis times and improve treatment, helping to reduce the psychosocial impact IBD has on children and young people.

The Impact of IBD Study1 recently published in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, reveals that almost a quarter of IBD sufferers feel they don’t have adequate access to a specialist and, as many as, 76% believed greater access to a specialist gastroenterologist would help improve IBD healthcare.
The study also reports alarming delays in diagnosis, with 17% of under 18’s left waiting more than 5 years before receiving a final diagnosis, which can further impact on the patients’ mental wellbeing. 64% of patients needed emergency care before their diagnosis and 46% of patients were hospitalised for an average of 24 days, adding to the emotional stress of having IBD.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a life-long condition that causes inflammation in the intestine and is increasing in children with 30% of all IBD patients presenting with symptoms between the ages of 10 and 19.3 The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting around 70 in every 100,000 children2.
Children with IBD are frequently considered emotionally vulnerable with some children found to have behaviour problems, psychiatric disorders, depression and diminished social competence. IBD can also cause delayed growth and development which increases the distress many children experience.
UEG call for greater access to specialist gastroenterologists and clinics, particularly for children with IBD to help speed up diagnosis times and offer psycho-social support as part of the treatment plan.
Dr Charles Murray, Consultant Gastroenterologist and UEG spokesperson, says, “It’s vital that children and young adults with IBD receive a quick diagnosis so that a treatment plan including psychosocial support can be put in place as soon as possible. Increased access to specialist gastroenterologists and clinics is essential to help these young people manage their condition successfully, enabling them to continue in education and work and significantly improve their quality of life and mental wellbeing.”
References
1. EFCCA Impact of IBD Study 2010-2011. Published J Crohns and Colitis. 2014 March 21
2. Kappelman MD, Rifas-Shiman SL, Kleinman K et al. The prevalence and geographic distribution of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 5:1424–9.
3. Problems in the diagnosis of IBD in children. H.A Buller. Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam – The Netherlands Journal of Medicine.
4. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Young People - The impact on education and employment report - downloadable from the www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
5. Szigethy E, McLafferty L, Goyal A. Inflammatory bowel disease. Pediatr Clin North Am 2011; 58: 903-20.
6. Minderhoud IM, Oldenburg B, van Dam PS, van Berge Henegouwen GP. High prevalence of fatigue in quiescent inflammatory bowel disease is not related to adrenocortical insufficiency. Am J Gastroenterol 2003 May: 98 (5): 1088-93.
Notes to EditorsAbout UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu
*EFCCA (European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations) Impact of IBD Study
The IMPACT study was commissed in 2010-2011 by EFCCA and involved over 5000 people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), in 27 European countries.
To find out more about EFCCA and the Impact Study visit: http://www.efcca.org/
To arrange a press interview with Dr Charles Murray, UEG Spokesperson and Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at The Royal Free Hospital, please contact Samantha Forster, details below.

World Hepatitis Day: Experts call for awareness of the ‘Silent Epidemic’ increasing the risk of liver cancer.

(July, 23, 2014) Ahead of World Hepatitis Day, 28th July 2014, United European Gastroenterology (UEG) call for greater awareness of the symptoms of hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus that increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

78% of all primary liver cancer cases are associated with a prior hepatitis B or C infection1. Liver cancer is estimated to be responsible for 746,000 worldwide deaths each year, making it the second most common cause of cancer death2.
Speaking on behalf of UEG, hepatology expert Professor Joost Drenth is calling for increased public awareness of hepatitis as controlling the deadly virus is currently proving to be a major challenge for health providers in the UK and across Europe. Professor Drenth explains “90% of people with hepatitis are unaware of their infection because it can remain asymptomatic for decades. Late diagnosis and insufficient access to effective new treatments leave many patients at risk of serious health complications including liver cancer and cirrhosis.”
He adds, “Historically, people with the infection have been highly stigmatised as the virus is generally associated with intravenous drug use. However, for a majority of patients the route of infection is unknown. The virus is present in the blood and, to a much lesser extent, the saliva and semen or vaginal fluid of an infected person. GPs, sexual health clinics and GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics can all test for the disease via a simple blood test.”
Professor Drenth explains the symptoms of hepatitis C which can include the following:
Flu-like symptoms with increased aches, pains and headaches
Extreme fatigue causing you to feel unable to perform certain tasks
Depression and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you normally enjoy
Notes to EditorsWhat is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that predominantly infects the cells of the liver3. This can result in inflammation and significant damage4, which can affect the liver’s ability to perform its essential functions. Although it has always been regarded as a liver disease - ‘hepatitis’ means ‘inflammation of the liver’ - recent research has revealed that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects a number of other areas in the body. These can include the digestive system, the lymphatic system, the immune system and the brain. Recent research has also indicated that HCV destroys a key protective tumour-supressing gene5.
The course of a chronic hepatitis C infection is extremely varied and unpredictable. Some people experience very few symptoms for as long as a decade, while others suffer symptoms almost from the start. Some will progress to develop fibrosis and cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer or end stage liver disease, while others experience very little liver damage, even after many years. In cases where there is an absence of symptoms, many people do not discover that they have HCV until sometime after they have been infected.
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu
Available for interview
Professor Joost Drenth, European hepatitis and liver cancer expert
Press contact
Samantha Forster media@ueg.eu Tel: +44(0)1444 811099 @UEGMedia

UEG calls for increased emotional support from primary care practitioners for children with IBD.

(August, 11, 2014) In response to a new study highlighting the impact of IBD on children, United European Gastroenterology (UEG), Europe’s largest digestive health body, is calling for improved emotional support between doctors and health care professionals during consultations to minimise the psychosocial impact IBD has on children and young people.

The Impact of IBD Study1 recently published in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, reveals that IBD can be difficult to diagnose with patients not always presenting with all the most common symptoms. The study also reports alarming delays in diagnosis, with 17% of under 18’s left waiting more than 5 years before receiving a final diagnosis, which can further impact on the patients’ mental wellbeing.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a life-long condition that causes inflammation in the intestine and is increasing in children with 30% of all IBD patients presenting with symptoms between the ages of 10 and 19.3 The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting around 70 in every 100,000 children2.
Children with IBD are frequently considered emotionally vulnerable with some children found to have behaviour problems, psychiatric disorders, depression and diminished social competence. IBD can also cause delayed growth and development which adds to the emotional distress many children experience.
UEG call for improved consultation techniques for both doctors and healthcare professionals to ensure depth and coverage of IBD issues so that no important information is missed when speaking with patients1. This is especially relevant as 64% of patients needed emergency care before their diagnosis and 46% of patients were hospitalised for an average of 24 days, adding to their stress of having IBD.
Dr Nikhil Thapar, Consultant Gastroenterologist and UEG spokesperson, says, “It’s vital that both patients and doctors feel they can discuss all aspects of IBD whether it be diagnosis, treatment or condition management comfortably during a consultation. Doctors should also offer patients the opportunity to raise questions whilst providing them with the psychosocial support they may need to deal with their condition. IBD can make it impossible for young patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease to continue in education and hold down a job. Therefore it is important they receive the psychological support to optimise their emotional and mental wellbeing”
References
1. EFCCA Impact of IBD Study 2010-2011. Published J Crohns and Colitis. 2014 March 21
2. Kappelman MD, Rifas-Shiman SL, Kleinman K et al. The prevalence and geographic distribution of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 5:1424–9.
3. Problems in the diagnosis of IBD in children. H.A Buller. Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam – The Netherlands Journal of Medicine.
4. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Young People - The impact on education and employment report - downloadable from the www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
5. Szigethy E, McLafferty L, Goyal A. Inflammatory bowel disease. Pediatr Clin North Am 2011; 58: 903-20.
6. Minderhoud IM, Oldenburg B, van Dam PS, van Berge Henegouwen GP. High prevalence of fatigue in quiescent inflammatory bowel disease is not related to adrenocortical insufficiency. Am J Gastroenterol 2003 May: 98 (5): 1088-93.
Notes to EditorsAbout UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu
*EFCCA (European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations) Impact of IBD Study
The IMPACT study was commissed in 2010-2011 by EFCCA and involved over 5000 people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), in 27 European countries. To find out more about EFCCA and the Impact Study visit: http://www.efcca.org/
To arrange a press interview with Dr Thapar, UEG Spokesperson and Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, please contact Samantha Forster, details below.
Press contacts
Samantha Forster: samantha@spinkhealth.com
Tel: +44 (0)1444 811099

Incontinence and crippling fatigue disrupts education and ruins job prospects for children with IBD.

(June, 30, 2014) Debilitating daily symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) not only cause depression and psychological complications in young people, but also significantly disrupts their education and ability to stay at work. In response to a new study highlighting the impact of IBD on children, United European Gastroenterology (UEG), Europe’s largest digestive health body, is calling for quicker diagnosis and treatment to minimise the impact IBD has on childrens’ education and future employment.

The Impact of IBD Study1 recently published in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, reveals that a quarter of young IBD sufferers across Europe, had to take over 25 days off work in the last year and almost a third (31%) had lost or had to quit their job.1 61% felt that their symptoms had affected their ability to perform to their full potential in an educational setting1 with many having at least 3 months absent from school per year2.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a life-long condition that causes inflammation in the intestine and is increasing in children with 30% of all IBD patients presenting with symptoms between the ages of 10 and 19.3 The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting around 70 in every 100,000 children4.
IBD can be difficult to diagnose with patients not always presenting with all the most common symptoms and the Impact of IBD Study also reports alarming delays in diagnosis with 17% of under 18’s waiting more than 5 years to receive a final diagnosis. This can further impact on the patients’ mental wellbeing and ability to plan for their future.
As well as having to cope with the debilitating physical symptoms, including faecal incontinence and abdominal cramping, IBD patients also experience sleep deprivation and continual or profound fatigue which can severely affect their self-esteem5 and a quarter of these patients also suffer from depression.6 In fact, researchers have found that fatigue in people with IBD is comparable to those suffering from cancer7 making it extremely difficult to perform in the classroom or remain at work.
Dr Nikhil Thapar, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist and UEG spokesperson, explains, “Constant fatigue and the fear of abdominal pain and incontinence, can make it impossible for young patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease to continue in education and hold down a job. It is essential that they are diagnosed and begin treatment as quickly as possible to help them manage their symptoms enabling them to stay at school and continue to work. It is also important that they receive psychological support, to optimise their mental and emotional wellbeing.”
References
1. EFCCA Impact of IBD Study 2010-2011. Published J Crohns and Colitis. 2014 March 21
2. Moody G, Eaden JA, Mayberry JF. Social implications of childhood Crohn’s disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1999; 28: S43-5
3. Problems in the diagnosis of IBD in children. H.A Buller. Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam – The Netherlands Journal of Medicine.
4. Kappelman MD, Rifas-Shiman SL, Kleinman K et al. The prevalence and geographic distribution of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 5:1424–9.
5. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Young People - The impact on education and employment report - downloadable from the www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
6. Szigethy E, McLafferty L, Goyal A. Inflammatory bowel disease. Pediatr Clin North Am 2011; 58: 903-20.
7. Minderhoud IM, Oldenburg B, van Dam PS, van Berge Henegouwen GP. High prevalence of fatigue in quiescent inflammatory bowel disease is not related to adrenocortical insufficiency. Am J Gastroenterol 2003 May: 98 (5): 1088-93.
Notes to Editors
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:
· UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world
· Courses, covering the latest science and clinical information in the field, including diagnosis, treatment and real-life examples
· UEG e-learning, an ever-expanding archive of over 11,000 documents and more than 1,000 multimedia items, as well as accredited e-courses
· Training Support, funding for innovative training and educational programmes, as well as international scientific and professional co-operations
· UEG Journal, published bi-monthly, covering translational and clinical studies from all areas of gastroenterology
· EU Affairs, promoting research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, and helping develop an effective health policy for Europe
Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu
*EFCCA (European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations) Impact of IBD Study
The IMPACT survey was commissed in 2010-2011 by EFCCA and involved over 5000 people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), in 27 European countries.
To find out more about EFCCA and the Impact Survey visit: http://www.efcca.org/
To arrange press interview with Dr Nikhil Thapar, UEG Spokesperson and Consultant Gastroenterologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, please contact Samantha Forster, details below

(June, 12, 2014) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently estimated to claim the lives of 214,6751 adults in Europe, equivalent to 1 death every 3 minutes. With this figure predicted to rise by 12% by 2020,2 United European Gastroenterology (UEG), Europe’s largest digestive health body, calls for an urgent increase in screening uptake and the availability of more trained nurse endoscopists across Europe, to prevent rising mortality.

Colorectal cancer is extremely lethal in its advanced stages yet early detection can result in a 90-95% survival rate. Regular screening reduces the risk of dying from the disease by 20-30% using the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and it is well established that patients who are maintained free of adenomas by endoscopic polypectomy are generally kept cancer free3. In fact, recent studies have also suggested that endoscopic screening is associated with a substantial reduction in mortality specifically from colorectal cancer and has a more preventive effect than FOBT screening.4
However, there is currently a considerable lack of nurse endoscopy workforce in the majority of European countries, and the main provider of endoscopy in many countries remains with the physician. Sweden and the UK are the only European countries to have nurse endoscopists available nationally and Denmark and the Netherlands have nurse endoscopists but just in certain regions.5
United European Gastroenterology (UEG) welcome the vital steps the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) are taking to transform nurse endoscopy training and provision across Europe.
Michael Ortmann, President of the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) explains; “We have established a European Endoscopy Nurses Forum (EENF) which has allowed collaboration between European countries to establish a harmonised training programme for endoscopy nurses and allowed standardisation of the role of endoscopy nurses across Europe, including training requirements, which will have a significant impact on the reduction of colorectal cancer deaths.”
ESGENA in combination with ESGE (European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) and the Austrian Society of Endoscopy and GE Nurses and Assistants (IVEPA), will be hosting a conference as part of UEG Week (18-22 October 2014) in Vienna, offering high quality hands on training in small groups and live transmissions for nurses to improve their endoscopic skills. Under the supervision of highly experienced tutors, participants will have the opportunity to take part in valuable training using on bio simulators and also have the opportunity to perform endoscopic techniques on colonoscopy as well as ERCP.
Notes to EditorsReferences:
1. Globocan Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence, 2012
2. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
3. Winawer SJ, Zauber AG, O’Brien MJ. Randomised comparison of surveillance intervals after colonoscopic removal of newly diagnosed adenomatous polyps. N Engl J Med 1993; 328: 901-906
4. Young P.E, Womeldorph C.M. Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening J Cancer 2013; 4 (3):217-226.
5. Kanavos P, Schurer W. The burden of colorectal cancer: prevention, treatment and quality of services. Eur J Health Econ 2010; 10 Suppl 1:S1-3
About UEG
United European Gastroenterology is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy.
Find out more about UEG’s work at www.ueg.eu
18th ESGENA Conference at UEG Week (October 18-22 2014), Vienna, Austria
Hosted by the Austrian Society of Endoscopy and GE Nurses and Assistants (IVEPA)
The ESGENA conference is not only an opportunity to meet colleagues from throughout Europe, but also from North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The exchange with nurses from all over the world combined with the opportunity to attend the medical programme of the UEG Week ensures the ESGENA conference is an exceptional educational event.
See www.ueg.eu/week/esgena/ for further information and registration details
Available for interview
Michael Ortmann, ESGENA president
#screeningsaveslives
Download a map of CRC Incidence & Mortality in Europe here http://www.ueg.eu/crcmap/ and an infographic about CRC screening here http://www.ueg.eu/crceurope/
Press contact
Samantha Forster media@ueg.eu Tel:+44(0)1444811099 @UEGMedia

World Digestive Health Day – 29th May 2014

According to scientists, gut microbiota not only play a vital role in normal digestion and protect us against infection, but also affect our behaviour, thoughts and mood. Furthermore, recent research reveals increasing links between gut microbiota and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety as well as nervous system diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease1 and Alzheimer’s2. As World Digestive Health Day is marked across the globe today, Europe’s largest digestive health body, United European Gastroenterology (UEG), is urging people to be more symptom-aware to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, helping to prevent serious mental and neurological conditions associated with poor gut health.
A study examining the link between gut microbiota and Parkinson’s Disease revealed significantly higher (54% v 8%) small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with Parkinson’s Disease than in control patients and that gastrointestinal motility abnormalities were the most likely explanation.1
“We have known for a long time that the brain can send signals to the gut, which is why stress and other emotions can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms,” explains Professor Lakatos, digestive disease expert and UEG spokesperson. “We now know that signals can travel in the opposite direction, so it is feasible that an unhealthy gut can adversely affect the state of our mind.”
Why the stomach has a ‘mind’ of its own
The human intestine contains about 100 trillion micro-organisms – ten times the total number of cells in the entire human body. The activities of these organisms are controlled by what is sometimes referred to as the “little brain”, a network of nerve cells that line the intestine and help to co-ordinate gut function.
Digestive disease experts believe that consuming a healthy diet, including foods that boost ‘good bacteria’ and encourage efficient digestion, may have an especially positive effect on mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
“Although research in this area is still in its early stages, studies suggest that microbiota hold the key to improving the treatment of a wide range of mental and neurological conditions and good gut health is essential for optimal mental and physical wellbeing,” says Prof. Lakatos.
References[1]Gabrielli M1, Bonazzi P, Scarpellini E, Bendia E, Lauritano EC, Fasano A, Ceravolo MG, Capecci M, Rita Bentivoglio A, Provinciali L, Tonali PA, Gasbarrini A. Prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2011 Apr;26(5):889-92
[2] Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee, Walter J.Lukiw. Alzheimer’s disease nd the microbiome. Front Cell Neurosci. 2013; 7: 153.
Further reading
Bested AC et al. Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: part III – convergence toward clinical trials. Gut Pathogens 2013;5:4. Available at: http://www.gutpathogens.com/content/pdf/1757-4749-5-4.pdf
Notes to Editors
About UEGUnited European Gastroenterology is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy.
Find out more about UEG’s work at www.ueg.eu
Available for interviewPeter Lakatos, MD, PhD - Associate Professor and Head of Gastroenterology at the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.
World Digestive Health Day – 29th May 2014
This year’s theme is “Gut Microbes – Importance in Health and Disease”.
Healthy Gut Advice

Eat plenty of fibre, including beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruit and vegetables, all of which feed good bacteria in our gut.

Family doctor intervention is crucial in the fight against Europe’s second biggest cancer killer.

(April, 30, 2014) As healthcare professionals, commissioners and politicians from across Europe convened earlier this month for the third ‘European Colorectal Cancer Days’ meeting in Brno in the Czech Republic, one of the meeting’s supporters, United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is calling for increased intervention from primary care physicians to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake rates across Europe.

CRC is currently estimated to claim the lives of 214,6751 adults in Europe – equivalent to 1 death every 3 minutes – and is expected to affect 502,000 Europeans a year by 20202.
CRC screening programmes are currently underused with the uptake throughout much of Europe falling way short of the 65% rate considered desirable by the European Commission.
With the annual incidence of Europe’s second most lethal cancer killer predicted to rise by 12% by 20202 UEG is raising awareness that screening saves lives and believes that family doctor intervention is key to preventing rising mortality.
“Family doctors play a crucial role in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer by raising the subject of screening with eligible adults and explaining the benefits of available screening options,” explains UEG President Professor Michael Farthing.
“Research has found that lack of recommendation by a family doctor is a key barrier to colorectal cancer screening uptake. By proactively broaching the subject of screening, general practitioners can overcome common fears and misconceptions as well as the embarrassment factor that so often prevents people talking about and participating in CRC screening.”
Colorectal cancer is extremely lethal in its advanced stages yet early detection can result in a 90-95% survival rate. Regular screening reduces the risk of dying from the disease by 20-30% using the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), 50% using flexible sigmoidoscopy and up to 65% using colonoscopy. Widely available across Europe, the FOBT is generally offered to men and women over the age of 50 via an invitation from their doctor or a national screening programme.
The involvement of family doctors in CRC screening in Europe varies. In some countries (Germany, France, the Czech Republic), family doctors actually perform FOB testing in their surgeries; in others, they are tasked with recruiting patients for colonoscopic screening (Poland); while in countries such as the UK and the Netherlands, family doctors are not directly involved in screening but instead are required to encourage patients to participate in national programmes and to advise on the importance of screening.
“It is very important in countries with active screening programmes in place that comprehensive colorectal cancer education and support for family doctors is available to help them put screening high on the agenda at a practice level. Motivated and well informed doctors will in turn mobilise patients, and the link between patient screening compliance and practitioner motivation is well documented,” explains Professor Farthing.
#screeningsaveslivesWhich patient groups do/don’t participate in CRC screening?

Research has found a higher participation rate of women in FOBT-based screening programmes across Europe than in men.3

Age is also a factor. Italian research found that men and women aged 65 years or older were more likely to participate in screening than younger invitees.4

Smokers have been found to have poor CRC screening adherence compared to non-smokers and former smokers.5

Research in Spain found that fear of screening tests and embarrassment were the main barriers that contributed to low participation.7

Notes to Editors

About UEGUnited European Gastroenterology is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy.Find out more about UEG’s work at www.ueg.eu

Europe is falling behind America in the fight against colorectal cancer.

(March 13, 2014) Annual incidence of Europe’s second most lethal cancer killer is predicted to rise by 12% by 20201 warns Europe’s largest body of gastroenterology experts, United European Gastroenterology (UEG). Colorectal cancer is estimated to claim the lives of 214,6752 adults in Europe and is expected to affect 502,000 Europeans a year by 20201.

Colorectal cancer is extremely lethal in its advanced stages yet early detection can result in a 90-95% survival rate. Early signs of colorectal cancer do not exist or are difficult to spot but can be detected via a simple screening test (the Faecal Occult Blood Test) that can be performed at home. Widely available across Europe, the FOBT is generally offered to men and women over the age of 50 via an invitation from their doctor or a national screening programme. However, uptake throughout Europe has been surprisingly low, with the percentage of eligible adults screened in many countries falling way short of the 65% rate considered desirable by the European Commission and already achieved in the USA3.

While Europe’s promotion of organised national screening programmes is seen as preferable to America’s ‘opportunistic’ approach, UEG experts say Europe can learn from the USA when it comes to pushing CRC to the forefront of public life. Annual campaigns fronted by Meryl Streep and other Hollywood stars, nationwide ‘Dress in Blue Days’ and a White House colorectal cancer statement issued by President Obama earlier this month are all helping to raise the profile of the disease and the importance of screening across the Atlantic.
“United European Gastroenterology has campaigned for screening for colorectal cancer to be available to all European citizens; we are now urging the European population to participate and to be aware that FOBT screening reduces the risk of dying from colorectal cancer by 20-30%. Colorectal cancer is treatable when detected early, yet it is estimated to claim the lives of over 500 Europeans every day,” says British gastroenterologist and UEG President, Professor Michael Farthing.
As the world marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March) UEG is launching a new awareness campaign, ‘Screening Saves Lives’, urging all European men and women over 50 to talk to a healthcare professional and undertake screening for colorectal cancer.
#screeningsaveslivesNotes to Editors

About UEGUnited European Gastroenterology is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy.Find out more about UEG’s work at www.ueg.eu
Press contact
Samantha Forster media@ueg.eu Tel:+44(0)1444811099 @UEGMedia
References1 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
2 Globocan Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence, 2012
3 Overall USA screening rate, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, 2010
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